This September the much needed work to make the King's Theatre fit for the future will commence. Help us towards reaching the finish line: By giving to our Crowdfunder you are directly helping towards our goal to raise another £1 million for the King's between now and September.
When the King's re-opens, it will be both a creative hub at the heart of the community and a world-class, accessible and modern theatre for all to enjoy. All the while we will preserve the charm and period character that makes the King's so special.
Edinburgh is an internationally renowned city of culture, blessed with historic buildings in which to enjoy a wide array of art and entertainment. For us to retain and preserve this heritage, we need to invest in our buildings to make them welcoming and accessible venues for everyone.
Our ambition to keep the King’s open and thriving has become increasingly urgent; if major improvements are not made, visitor numbers will continue to decline because of the poor visitor experience. The King’s will almost certainly be forced to close and we will lose one more of the UK’s most historic theatres.
From its opening night in 1906, the King’s has been a city institution and an architectural gem. For generations people have flocked to and adored the King’s.
We invite your help to ensure the next generation will have the same opportunities to share in the magic of live performance at the King’s.
If you can do one thing today, try and imagine your life without the King’s. Imagine not having hundreds of local children perform on stage as part of the Gang Show; or families missing the magical experience of walking through the elaborately carved wooden doors to see the Christmas panto with their nearest and dearest; imagine not seeing unmissable, world-class performances in our impressive ornate auditorium during the International Festival. Without the King's Theatre, Edinburgh would lose a bit of its sparkle.
We have the opportunity with the King’s transformation to open the building up to a much-wider audience, to turn the building into a vibrant, accessible arts venue where there’s lots going on, during the day and on into the evening. As dear is the building is now to those who can’t imagine Edinburgh without it, the King’s has the potential to be an even greater asset to the city’s cultural life.
Thanks to the generous support of so many people who love the King’s, as well as grants and donations from the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, trusts and foundations and companies, we have raised over 90% of the costs of the project. You can learn more about the King’s Future and donate by visiting our website below.
www.capitaltheatres.com/kings-future
“The King’s Theatre is a gem which deserves to be preserved. If we don’t invest in our theatres we stand to lose a vital part of Scotland’s cultural heritage and a theatre for everyone for generations to come” Brian Cox, Honorary Patron
‘Good luck and a huge well done to all involved in running the marathon for such a good cause. With such demands on people and their time it’s wonderful to see the dedication and care that so many have put into the entire project of refurbishing the beautiful Kings Theatre in Edinburgh. It’s a favourite theatre of mine and work is long overdue to keep this Palace of entertainment alive and relevant for the 21st century. We are all aware of the light and joy that theatre brings in our lives - witnessed from the audience reactions to theatres reopening after the Pandemic.
It’s a marathon getting these projects up and running and completed so today is a great reminder of all the work that’s been going on and will be for some time.'
Elaine C Smith, King's Ambassador, speaking in support of our marathon runners
'The King’s Theatre is central to entertainment history in Edinburgh and continues to host great shows and performers from around the globe. I’m keen to see it refurbished to the highest standard so it can continue to dazzle audiences for decades to come.'
Ian Rankin, King's Ambassador
The King’s Theatre Edinburgh opened on the 8 December 1906. Standing proudly on the corner of Leven Street and Tarvit Street, the King’s is one of Scotland’s oldest theatres and the only surviving operational Edwardian theatre by the architects Swanston and Davidson.
Retaining and preserving the King's Theatre's rich heritage is paramount to the project.
We would like to thank all our pledgers and reward donors who have supported our campaign as well as our King's Amabassadors.
Corporate Partners
Reward Donors
To find out more about the King's project, visit: www.capitaltheatres.com/kings-future
The Festival Theatre, King's Theatre and The Studio, Edinburgh are managed by Capital Theatres, 13 / 29 Nicolson Street Edinburgh, EH8 9FT. Registered Scottish Charity SC018605.